About
The character "嫡" is structured with the woman radical "女" on the left and the phonetic component "啇" on the right, indicating its original association with familial roles centered on women. Etymologically, it was used to denote the principal wife in a polygamous household, distinguishing her as the legitimate spouse. Over time, its meaning extended from this specific familial status to describe direct and legitimate descent, such as in the term "嫡子" for a legitimate son, and further broadened to signify what is primary or main within a lineage or succession, while its structural form has consistently retained these components.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他是家族的嫡长子。
这位嫡子继承了大笔财产。
他是公司嫡系的管理人员。
嫡传弟子得到了真传。
在古代，嫡子拥有优先继承权。
作为嫡亲孙子，他深受祖父的宠爱。
嫡系部队在战争中发挥了关键作用。
尽管他是嫡出，但家族企业最终由能力更强的庶子接管。